Tham Le Khao Kop

Tham Le Khao Kop is a limestone hill north of Trang with a stream running through it, and the visit is done sitting in a small boat that the boatman poles and pulls through around four hundred metres of passage. Three chambers open out along the way with stalactites, stalagmites and formations lit by installed lighting. The part people remember is between them: at one point the roof drops to a few tens of centimetres above the water, everyone lies flat on their back in the boat, and the boatman gets out and drags the hull through by hand while passengers stare at rock passing close above their faces. The passage is called the dragon's throat locally. It takes seconds but is genuinely alarming for anyone claustrophobic. Water level determines whether the low section is passable at all, so after heavy rain the trip is shortened or cancelled. Life jackets are provided.

What you actually see

• The low passage - lying flat while the boat is dragged under the rock.
• The three chambers - stalactites and formations lit along the route.
• The boat trip - about four hundred metres through the hill on the stream.
• The exit - emerging on the far side of the limestone.

When to go

November to April; after heavy rain the water rises and the low section becomes impassable, shortening or cancelling the trip. It takes about an hour.

Honest expectations

The low passage is genuinely tight and frightening for claustrophobic visitors - there is no way to opt out mid-trip. Water levels can close the route. You will get wet. Boats are small and life jackets are required.

Nearby

Huai Yot is close; Trang town and the Trang islands piers are south.